Sub-band dependent resource management

ABSTRACT

A system and method for facilitating resource management in OFDM systems is provided. The system permits different and flexible resource cell metric operations levels (e.g. uplink load management, admission control, congestion control, signal handoff control) for different sub-bands. For the uplink load management, there are multiple distinct load operation points (e.g. IoT, RoT) per sub-band group instead of the same operation level across the entire available band. The sub-band groups encompass the entire band. The facilitation system also comprises a variety of transmitting protocols, command increment variable stepsize methods and robust command response methods. The system thus provides more flexible reverse link resource management and more efficient utilization of the bandwidth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/443,978 entitled “SUB-BAND DEPENDENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT”which was filed Jul. 2, 2009 which is national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371of International Application No. PCT/US2007/083393 entitled “SUB-BANDDEPENDENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT” which was filed Nov. 1, 2007 which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/863,889entitled “SUB-BAND DEPENDENT UPLINK LOAD MANAGEMENT” which was filedNov. 1, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No.60/864,579 entitled “A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUB-BAND DEPENDENT LOADCONTROL OPERATIONS FOR UPLINK COMMUNICATIONS” which was filed Nov. 6,2006. The aforementioned applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications,and more particularly to resource management in a wireless communicationsystem.

II. Background

A wireless communication network (e.g., employing frequency, time andcode division techniques) includes one or more base stations thatprovide a coverage area and one or more mobile (e.g., wireless)terminals that can transmit and receive data within the coverage area. Atypical base station can concurrently transmit multiple data streams forbroadcast, multicast, and/or unicast services, wherein a data stream isa stream of data that can be of independent reception interest to amobile terminal. A mobile terminal within coverage area of the basestation can be interested in receiving one, more than one, or all datastreams carried by the composite stream. Likewise, a mobile terminal cantransmit data to the base station, other stations or other mobileterminals. Each terminal communicates with one or more base stations viatransmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (ordownlink) refers to the communication link from the base stations to theterminals, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communicationlink from the terminals to the base stations. This communication linkmay be established via a single-in-single-out, multiple-in-signal-out ora multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) system.

Conventional technologies utilized for transmitting information within amobile communication network (e.g., a cell phone network) includefrequency, time and code division based techniques. In general, withfrequency division based techniques calls are split based on a frequencyaccess method, wherein respective calls are placed on a separatefrequency. With time division based techniques, respective calls areassigned a certain portion of time on a designated frequency. With codedivision based techniques respective calls are associated with uniquecodes and spread over available frequencies. Respective technologies canaccommodate multiple accesses by one or more users.

With time division based techniques, a band is split time-wise intosequential time slices or time slots. Each user of a channel is providedwith a time slice for transmitting and receiving information in around-robin manner. For example, at any given time t, a user is providedaccess to the channel for a short burst. Then, access switches toanother user who is provided with a short burst of time for transmittingand receiving information. The cycle of “taking turns” continues, andeventually each user is provided with multiple transmission andreception bursts.

Code division based techniques typically transmit data over a number offrequencies available at any time in a range. In general, data isdigitized and spread over available bandwidth, wherein multiple userscan be overlaid on the channel and respective users can be assigned aunique sequence code. Users can transmit in the same wide-band chunk ofspectrum, wherein each user's signal is spread over the entire bandwidthby its respective unique spreading code. This technique can provide forsharing, wherein one or more users can concurrently transmit andreceive. Such sharing can be achieved through spread spectrum digitalmodulation, wherein a user's stream of bits is encoded and spread acrossa very wide channel in a pseudo-random fashion. The receiver is designedto recognize the associated unique sequence code and undo therandomization in order to collect the bits for a particular user in acoherent manner.

More particularly, frequency division based techniques typicallyseparate the spectrum into distinct channels by splitting it intouniform chunks of bandwidth, for example, division of the frequency bandallocated for wireless cellular telephone communication can be splitinto 30 channels, each of which can carry a voice conversation or, withdigital service, carry digital data. Each channel can be assigned toonly one user at a time.

One commonly utilized variant is an orthogonal frequency divisiontechnique that effectively partitions the overall system bandwidth intomultiple orthogonal sub-bands. Orthogonal meaning that the frequenciesare chosen so that cross-talk between the sub-channels is eliminated andinter-carrier guard bands are not required. These sub-bands are alsoreferred to as tones, carriers, subcarriers, bins, and frequencychannels. Each sub-carrier is modulated with a conventional modulationscheme (such as quadrature amplitude modulation) at a low symbol rate.Orthogonal frequency division has an advantageous ability to cope withsevere channel conditions—for example, attenuation of high frequenciesat a long copper wire, narrowband interference and frequency-selectivefading due to multipath—without complex equalization filters. Low symbolrate makes the use of a guard interval between symbols affordable,making it possible to handle time-spreading and eliminate inter-symbolinterference (ISI).

The orthogonality also allows high spectral efficiency, near the Nyquistrate. Almost the whole available frequency band can be utilized. OFDMgenerally has a nearly ‘white’ spectrum, giving it benignelectromagnetic interference properties with respect to other co-channelusers, and allowing higher transmit power when a single cell isconsidered alone. Also, without interior—carrier guard bands, the designof both the transmitter and the receiver is greatly simplified; unlikeconventional FDM, a separate filter for each sub-channel is notrequired.

Orthogonality is often paired with frequency reuse, where communicationstaking place in cells located far apart may use the same portion of thespectrum, and ideally the large distance prevents interference. Cellcommunications taking place in nearby cells use different channels tominimize the chances of interference. Over a large pattern of cells, afrequency spectrum is reused as much as possible by distributing commonchannels over the entire pattern so that only far apart cells reuse thesame spectrum. In such a case, and when scheduler flexibility toallocate bandwidth to different users is introduced, inter-cellinterference control becomes critical. Sub-band scheduling and diversitytechniques can be accordingly developed. In addition, differentsub-bands may have different frequency reuse factors such thatfractional frequency reuse (FFR) can be adopted to improve cell coverageand cell edge user performance.

An aspect disclosed herein is that in FDMA systems, the assignedbandwidths may be divided into sub-bands and that the efficientmanagement of resources in a wireless communication system is completedthough the use of flexible and variable threshold settings per sub-band.

In conventional thought, a single control level is assigned to a band.This one control level does not serve the variety of conditions that mayexist in a cell well and must be set at a typical lowest common limitingfactor such that all User Equipment (UE) can communicate with the basestation. Variability by level of use, by type of signals, by timeconstraints, by location, type and number of UE in a given cell and byproximity to other cells in a multi cell network may all contribute toan increased need for efficient use of resources.

For uplink communications, it is desirable to control reverse link load.Conventionally, a single control is typically employed fortime-frequency bands; however, doing so results in a relativelyinflexible framework. By dividing a communications band into severalsub-bands increased flexibility is achieved as to conventionalschemes—this affords for increased control granularity by havingdifferent control thresholds over respective sub-bands as well asallowing for distinct control per sub-band. The increase in controlprovides for using sub-bands for different purposes, and more efficientusage of reverse up-link resources as compared to conventional schemes.

More particularly, interference management in orthogonal systems isfacilitated by identifying and mitigating caused by neighboring cells.Communications bandwidth is divided into multiple sub-bands, and loadindicator(s) are provided per sub-band. As noted supra, doing somitigates inter-cell interference, improves control granularity, andfacilitates overall utilization of system resources. The load persub-band information is provided as binary load indicator data and isprovided for both a serving cell and broadcast to neighboring cells. Theuser equipment (UE) has access to both the serving cell and non-servingneighbor cell's load indicator data on a per sub-band basis, whichprovides for a level of granularity that allows for more complete use ofthe bandwidth, and more UE's can operate at load within a givenbandwidth.

As cell phone use and amount of data sent continues to expand, it may beappreciated from the foregoing discussion, the efficient use ofbandwidth resources, specifically the uplink load operating levelrequirements for control and data traffic management, is an issue thatrequires consideration in connection with wireless communications.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments. This summaryis not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements nor delineate the scope of such embodiments. Itspurpose is to present some concepts of the described embodiments in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

Market forces have moved the industry toward simple communicationsprotocols in an attempt to optimize system performance. The aspectsdescribed and claimed herein run counter to conventional wisdom andmarket forces by increasing processing overhead via partition ofbandwidth into multiple sub-bands. The sub-bands further are notconstrained to be associated with cell metric operation levels that areconstant across the sub-bands. Generally, this can be noted as follows:

${{CellChar}_{th}(1)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{CellChar}_{th}(2)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{CellChar}_{th}(N)}$

The utilization of multiple sub-bands and control thereof incurs aperceived processing load for data tracking and optimization. However,as a result of enduring such perceived processing load, overall systemperformance optimization is facilitated as a result of the flexibilityafforded by more granular control of sub-bands and increased utilizationof system resources.

For example, in conventional systems with single control every userwithin a given cell can increase power which can result in interferenceto neighboring cells. In response, UE in neighboring cells would likelyrespond by increasing their power to overcome the interference which inturn would cause interference in the other cell. Consequently, suchconvergence toward power boosting compounds interference created.

As another example, uplink load is maintained at a certain level for acontrolled overshoot percentage such that control traffic can bereliably received by base stations. The same level is maintained acrossthe entire available band. The uplink load metric can be in the form of,e.g., interference over thermal (IoT) or rise over thermal (RoT). TheIoT operating level is typically limited by the control traffic fromcell edge users. Control traffic is often transmitted withchannel-independent rates. Advanced mechanisms such as H-ARQ may not beapplicable to control traffic as well. On the other hand, cell edgeusers generally experience severe channel impairments and more likelybecome power limited. These factors contribute to an often low IoToperation point, e.g., around 5 dB. However, users with good channelconditions are less likely to be power-limited and capable of supportinga much higher IoT point. The inflexible and low IoT operation level thusmakes the uplink load management for data traffic unnecessarilyinefficient.

An embodiment of the disclosed resource management allows flexibleuplink load operating levels in different sub-bands, instead of the sameoperation level across the entire available band. With improvedmanagement of sub-band dependent uplink load, control information canstill be reliably received by base stations, even for cell edge users,while data traffic can enjoy higher and flexible uplink load levels.Subsequently, larger per user throughput and sector throughput (notshown) can be achieved. Flexible and efficient uplink link managementmechanism can exploit different control and data trafficcharacteristics, channel condition dynamics among users, sub-bandoperations, and different frequency reuses.

We allow different and flexible control operation levels for differentsub-bands. Viewing IoT as a non-limiting example, suppose there are Nsub-bands and denote the target operation levels as IoT_(th)(n) forsub-band n=1, . . . , N, instead of choosing IoT_(th)(1)=IoT_(th)(2)= .. . =IoT_(th)(N) as in the conventional control uplink load management,we propose to have

${{IoT}_{th}(1)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{IoT}_{th}(2)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{IoT}_{th}(N)}$

It is to be appreciated that the proposal is not just limited to loadcontrol information propagation over the air. Instead, the idea is alsoapplicable to other resource managements (e.g. admission control,congestion control). For convenience sake, the idea is discussed indetail in regards to load control information. The configuration ofsub-band dependent load control, the generation and propagation ofsub-band dependent load control information, and the processing of loadcontrol information at terminals are discussed in details.

In an aspect, a method that facilitates cell resource management,comprising permitting different and flexible cell metric operationlevels for different sub-band groups. Sub-bands are comprised ofdividing the bandwidth into N sub-bands where N is an an integer greaterthan or equal to one. Sub-band groups are equal to M number of sub-bandswhere M is an integer from 1 to N. Sub-band groups are composed ofsub-bands with the same or similar operational characteristics. Themethod further comprises varying transmission of the control commands asa function of bits allocated over an air interface for control ortransmitting one sub-band group control over air at a time and cyclethrough the entire sub-band groups over time. In this method the controlcommands are variable in nature and vary according to indices of UE's inthe cell, sub-bands in the cell; and fractional frequency reuse factor,if present.

In a particular aspect of the above method, the cell metric operation isuplink load control operation. The uplink load metric may be one of IoTor RoT. The method comprises varying transmission of the load controlcommands as a function of bits allocated over an air interface for loadcontrol or transmitting one sub-band group load control over air at atime and cycle through the entire sub-band groups over time. In thismethod the load control commands are variable in nature and varyaccording to indices of UE's in the cell, sub-bands in the cell; andfractional frequency reuse factor, if present.

In other particular aspects of the above method, the cell metricoperation is at least one of admission control, congestion control andsignal handoff control.

In a further aspect, a method of responding to different and flexiblesub-band commands such that user equipment reacts differently forcommands of different sub-band groups. The reaction may be at least oneof a conservative response, an aggressive response, a proportionalresponse or a time proportional response.

In an aspect, a computer readable medium that has stored thereoncomputer executable code for facilitating cell resource management,comprising permitting different and flexible cell metric operationlevels for different sub-band groups. Sub-bands are comprised ofdividing the bandwidth into N sub-bands where N is an an integer greaterthan or equal to one. Sub-band groups are equal to M number of sub-bandswhere M is an integer from 1 to N. Sub-band groups are composed ofsub-bands with the same or similar operational characteristics. Thecomputer readable medium further comprises code that when executedcauses varying transmission of the control commands as a function ofbits allocated over an air interface for control or transmitting onesub-band group control over air at a time and cycle through the entiresub-band groups over time. In this computer readable medium the codepermits control commands to be variable in nature and vary according toindices of UE's in the cell, sub-bands in the cell; and fractionalfrequency reuse factor, if present.

In a particular aspect of the above computer readable medium, the cellmetric operation is uplink load control operation. The uplink loadmetric may be one of IoT or RoT. The code when executed causes varyingtransmission of the load control commands as a function of bitsallocated over an air interface for load control or transmitting onesub-band group load control over air at a time and cycle through theentire sub-band groups over time. In this computer readable medium thecode when executed permits load control commands to be variable innature and vary according to indices of UE's in the cell, sub-bands inthe cell; and fractional frequency reuse factor, if present.

In other particular aspects of the above computer readable medium, thecell metric operation is at least one of admission control, congestioncontrol and signal handoff control.

In a further aspect, a computer readable medium that has stored thereoncomputer executable code for responding to different and flexiblesub-band commands such that user equipment reacts differently forcommands of different sub-band groups. The reaction may be at least oneof a conservative response, an aggressive response, a proportionalresponse or a time proportional response.

In an aspect, a apparatus comprising a storage medium that storesthereon computer executable code for facilitating cell resourcemanagement, comprising permitting different and flexible cell metricoperation levels for different sub-band groups, and a processor thatexecutes the stored code. Sub-bands are comprised of dividing thebandwidth into N sub-bands where N is an an integer greater than orequal to one. Sub-band groups are equal to M number of sub-bands where Mis an integer from 1 to N. Sub-band groups are composed of sub-bandswith the same or similar operational characteristics. The apparatusstorage medium further stores code that when executed causes varyingtransmission of the control commands as a function of bits allocatedover an air interface for control or transmitting one sub-band groupcontrol over air at a time and cycle through the entire sub-band groupsover time. In this apparatus storage medium, the code permits controlcommands to be variable in nature and vary according to indices of UE'sin the cell, sub-bands in the cell; and fractional frequency reusefactor, if present.

In a particular aspect of the above apparatus, the cell metric operationis uplink load control operation. The uplink load metric may be one ofIoT or RoT. The code when executed causes varying transmission of theload control commands as a function of bits allocated over an airinterface for load control or transmitting one sub-band group loadcontrol over air at a time and cycle through the entire sub-band groupsover time. In this apparatus storage medium, the code when executedpermits load control commands to be variable in nature and varyaccording to indices of UE's in the cell, sub-bands in the cell; andfractional frequency reuse factor, if present.

In other particular aspects of the above apparatus, the cell metricoperation is at least one of admission control, congestion control andsignal handoff control.

In a further aspect, a apparatus comprising a storage medium that storesthereon computer executable code for responding to different andflexible sub-band commands such that user equipment reacts differentlyfor commands of different sub-band groups. The reaction may be at leastone of a conservative response, an aggressive response, a proportionalresponse or a time proportional response. The apparatus also comprises aprocessor that executes the stored code.

In yet another aspect, a system for facilitating cell resourcemanagement comprises means for permitting different and flexible cellmetric operation levels for different sub-band groups. Sub-band groupsare composed of sub-bands with the same or similar operationalcharacteristics. The system further comprises means for varyingtransmission of the control commands as a function of bits allocatedover an air interface for control or transmitting one sub-band groupcontrol over air at a time and cycle through the entire sub-band groupsover time. The system further comprises means for causing controlcommands to be variable in nature and vary according to indices of UE'sin the cell, sub-bands in the cell; and fractional frequency reusefactor, if present.

In a particular aspect of the above system, means for the cell metricoperation to be uplink load control operation. The uplink load metricmay be one of IoT or RoT. The system comprises means for varyingtransmission of the load control commands as a function of bitsallocated over an air interface for load control or transmitting onesub-band group load control over air at a time and cycle through theentire sub-band groups over time. The system comprises means for causingload control commands to be variable in nature and vary according toindices of UE's in the cell, sub-bands in the cell; and fractionalfrequency reuse factor, if present.

In other particular aspects of the above system, means for the cellmetric operation to be at least one of admission control, congestioncontrol and signal handoff control.

In a further aspect, a system for responding to different and flexiblesub-band commands comprises means for user equipment to reactdifferently for commands of different sub-band groups. The mean forreaction may be at least one of a conservative response, an aggressiveresponse, a proportional response or a time proportional response.

In an aspect, a method to mitigate inter-cell interference gainsgranularity and increased efficiency by dividing communicationsbandwidth into multiple sub-bands and providing a load indicator persub-band. The load per sub-band information is provided as binary loadindicator data and is provided for both a serving cell and broadcast toneighboring cells. A user equipment (UE) has access to both the servingcell and non-serving neighbor cell's load indicator data on a persub-band basis, which provides for a level of granularity that allowsfor more complete use of the bandwidth, and more UE's can operate atload within a given bandwidth.

In another aspect a method to control and reduce inter-cell interferencethrough UE based load management is disclosed. The method robustlyhandles multiple cells that operate either synchronously orasynchronously, and allows an individual UE capability to be a factor inoptimizing the reduction of inter-cell interference. When a UE isstarted, it typically receives a message from the serving cell accessnode indicating the type of serving cell operation (e.g., synchronous orasynchronous). The type of operation can force the UE to follow onemethod or another in reducing inter-cell interference. The currentmethod allows the UE to seek the best method of inter-cell interferencereduction that may not be dependent on the serving cell's mode ofoperation. In one non-limiting example, an UE may be operating in aasynchronous cell but have the capability of accessing a neighbor cell'sload data directly. In this case, the UE may operate to reduce ormaintain its transmitting power spectral density depending on a fasterdirect neighbor cell binary load per sub-band information rather thanwaiting for the neighbor cell binary load per sub-band information thatmay arrive through a backhaul channel of the serving cell.

In an aspect, a method that facilitates inter-cell interferencemitigation, comprises: dividing a cell bandwidth into N sub-bands, whereN is an integer >2; assigning the respective sub-bands to respectiveuser equipment (UEs); tracking sub-band assignments; and broadcastingsub-band assignments to neighboring cells.

In another aspect, a computer readable storage medium has stored thereoncomputer readable instructions for performing acts comprising: dividinga cell bandwidth into N sub-bands, where N is an integer >2; assigningthe respective sub-bands to respective user equipment (UEs); trackingsub-band assignments; and broadcast sub-band assignments to neighboringcells.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus, comprise: a storage medium,comprising computer executable instructions stored thereon for carryingout the following acts: dividing a cell bandwidth into N sub-bands,where N is an integer >2; assigning the respective sub-bands torespective user equipment (UEs); tracking sub-band assignments; andbroadcasting sub-band assignments to neighboring cells. A processorexecutes the computer executable instructions.

In an aspect, a system that facilitates inter-cell interferencemitigation, comprises: means for dividing a cell bandwidth into Nsub-bands, where N is an integer >2; means for assigning the respectivesub-bands to respective user equipment (UEs); means for trackingsub-band assignments; and means for broadcasting sub-band assignments toneighboring cells.

In another aspect, a method that facilitates inter-cell interferencemitigation, comprises: receiving an assigned sub-band; identifyingcapabilities of a user equipment (UE); if the UE meets a capabilitythreshold, look at neighboring cells for conflicting sub-band loadindicator data; if a conflict exists, reduce UE power; and if a conflictdoes not exist, maintain UE power.

In yet another aspect, a computer readable storage medium has storedthereon computer readable instructions for performing acts comprising:receiving an assigned sub-band; identifying capabilities of a userequipment (UE); if the UE meets a capability threshold, look atneighboring cells for conflicting sub-band load indicator data; if aconflict exists, reduce UE power; and if a conflict does not exist,maintain UE power.

In still yet another aspect, an apparatus, comprises: a storage medium,comprising computer executable instructions stored thereon for carryingout the following acts: receiving an assigned sub-band; identifyingcapabilities of a user equipment (UE); if the UE meets a capabilitythreshold, look at neighboring cells for conflicting sub-band loadindicator data; if a conflict exists, reduce UE power; and if a conflictdoes not exist, maintain UE power. A processor executes the computerexecutable instructions.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or moreembodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspectsand are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the embodiments may be employed. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings and thedisclosed embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless communication system inaccordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a variable and flexible loadcontrol operational characteristic in accordance with various aspectsset forth herein.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of further variable and flexible load controloperational characteristics in accordance with various aspects set forthherein.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of sub-band binary load indicatorsand bandwidth binary load indicators.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of transmission flexibility inaccordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exemplary illustrations of load control inaccordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate load control stepsize modification approachesin accordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary aspect of inter-cellinterference that the present application controls.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary communication system (e.g., acellular communication network) implemented in accordance with variousaspects.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary end node (e.g., a mobilenode) associated with various aspects.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary access node implemented inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary high level logic flow diagram for implementingvariable and flexible system operational characteristics for differentsub-bands in accordance with various aspects

FIG. 13 is an exemplary high level logic flow diagram for processingvariable and flexible system operational characteristics for differentsub-bands in accordance with various aspects.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary mid level logic flow diagram in accordance withvarious aspects

FIG. 15 is an exemplary high level logic flow diagram for processingvariable and flexible load control commands in accordance with variousaspects

FIG. 16 is an exemplary mid level logic flow diagram in accordance withvarious aspects

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating an aspect relating to mitigatinginter-cell interference.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating an aspect relating to mitigatinginter-cell interference.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary logic flow diagram for UE based inter-cellinterference mitigation in synchronous and asynchronous orthogonalsystems in accordance with various aspects.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary logic flow diagram for UE based inter-cellinterference mitigation in synchronous orthogonal systems.

FIG. 21. is an exemplary logic flow diagram for UE based inter-cellinterference mitigation in asynchronous orthogonal systems.

FIG. 22 is a system diagram illustrating a system that facilitates cellresource management and mitigating inter-cell interference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evidenthowever, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or moreembodiments. As used in this application, the terms “component,”“module,” “system,” and the like are intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination ofhardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example,a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on aprocessor, a processor, an integrated circuit, an object, an executable,a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application running on a computing device and thecomputing device can be a component. One or more components can residewithin a process and/or thread of execution and a component may belocalized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processessuch as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in alocal system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as theInternet with other systems by way of the signal).

Various embodiments will be presented in terms of systems that mayinclude a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is tobe understood and appreciated that the various systems may includeadditional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include allof the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection withthe figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments or designs. The word “listening” isused herein to mean that a recipient device (access point or accessterminal) is receiving and processing data received on a given channel.

Various aspects can incorporate inference schemes and/or techniques inconnection with transitioning communication resources. As used herein,the term “inference” refers generally to the process of reasoning aboutor inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a setof observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states, for example. The inference can beprobabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distributionover states of interest based on a consideration of data and events, ordecision theoretic, building upon probabilistic inference, andconsidering display actions of highest expected utility, in the contextof uncertainty in user goals and intentions. Inference can also refer totechniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set ofevents and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of newevents or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored eventdata, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporalproximity, and whether the events and data come from one or severalevent and data sources.

Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in connection with asubscriber station. A subscriber station can also be called a system, asubscriber unit, mobile station, mobile, remote station, access point,remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, a userdevice, mobile device, portable communications device, or userequipment. A subscriber station may be a cellular telephone, a cordlesstelephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless localloop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handhelddevice having wireless connection capability, or other processing deviceconnected to a wireless modem.

Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may beimplemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture usingstandard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term “article ofmanufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer programaccessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Forexample, computer-readable media can include but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick,key drive . . . ). Additionally, various storage media described hereincan represent one or more devices and/or other machine-readable mediafor storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” can include,without being limited to, wireless channels and various other mediacapable of storing, containing, and/or carrying instruction(s) and/ordata.

FIG. 1 displays a number of exemplary examples of cell metrics beingassociated with a divided bandwidth methodology 100. Market forces havemoved the industry toward simple communications protocols in an attemptto optimize system performance. The aspects described and claimed hereinrun counter to conventional wisdom and market forces by increasingprocessing overhead via partition of bandwidth into multiple sub-bands.The sub-bands further are not constrained to be associated with cellmetric operation levels that are constant across the sub-bands.Generally, this can be noted as follows:

${{CellChar}_{th}(1)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{CellChar}_{th}(2)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{CellChar}_{th}(N)}$

The utilization of multiple sub-bands and control thereof incurs aperceived processing load for data tracking and optimization. However,as a result of enduring such perceived processing load, overall systemperformance optimization is facilitated as a result of the flexibilityafforded by more granular control of sub-bands and increased utilizationof system resources. For example, in conventional systems with singlecontrol every user within a given cell can increase power which canresult in interference to neighboring cells. In response, UE inneighboring cells would likely respond by increasing their power toovercome the interference which in turn would cause interference in theother cell. Consequently, such convergence toward power boostingcompounds interference created.

In an aspect, a telecommunication system's access node (e.g. cell, basestation) communicates with other nodes including end nodes (e.g. UserEquipment (UE)) through a given bandwidth 101. The bandwidth is dividedinto a number of sub-bands N, where N is an integer 102. The sub-bandscan be logically referred to in groups of similar sub-bandcharacteristics. The number of different characteristics 103 is notconstrained. Generation of cell operation metrics can be performed on aper sub-band group basis. For each sub-band group, the operationalmetric at the base station is averaged over the entire set of sub-bandsof the given group, and compared against the group-specific targetcharacteristic to generate system commands. Exemplary example 104portrays three sub-band groups, each of size 2. In this example, each ofthe sub-bands are equal in size and are located next to each other inbandwidth order. An aspect of flexibility is portrayed 105, wherein thenumber of sub-bands belonging to any particular group can be sized to ben sub-bands, from n=1 to n=N sub-bands where N=total number of availablesub-bands. Sub-band group 1 contains three sub-bands, sub-band group 2contains a single sub-band and sub-band group N contains the remainingsub-bands. Additional flexibility can be seen in 106, in that therequirement of similar characteristics need not be applied to contiguoussub-bands. Sub-band group 1 contains sub-bands 1 and 5 while sub-bandgroup 2 contains sub-bands 2 and 4.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an aspect of the variable and flexible cellmetric operational characteristic is disclosed. Controlling power loadconditions of UE's in a cellular network is a primary and vital aspectof service quality. In a non-limiting example, the power control methodutilizing IoT 200 is discussed. In this aspect, we define sub-band groupas a set of sub-bands with similar or the same IoT operation levels,such that they can be treated the same from the uplink load managementperspective. The number of sub-bands 201 are associated with the controlmetric per sub-band 206. The value of the metric 202 is of the threevalues listed 203, 204 and 205. In general terms, each sub-band has atarget IoT operation level denoted as IoTth(n) for sub-bands n=1, . . ., N; and these target levels are permitted to be different and flexible.as follows:

${{IoT}_{th}(1)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{IoT}_{th}(2)}\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu}\underset{\underset{flexible}{︸}}{= {{or} \neq}}\mspace{14mu}{{IoT}_{th}(N)}$

There are two type of traffic exchanged between nodes, control 203 anddata 204, 205 traffic. Since control traffic transmission typically isnot channel-adaptive, the IoT operating level has to be maintained at arelatively low level. An aspect of the present invention is to designateone or more sub-bands as control-traffic constrained sub-bands 203. TheIoT operating level is typically limited by control traffic from celledge users. Cell edge users generally experience severe channelimpairments and more likely become power limited. As well as powerlimitations, error rates may increase and advanced error controlmechanisms such as H-ARQ may not be as applicable to control traffic aswell as data. Control traffic is often transmitted withchannel-independent rates. These factors contribute to an often low IoToperation point, e.g., around 5 dB. Thus the uplink load metric (e.g.the IoT operating level) is typically limited by control traffic fromcell edge users.

However, users with good channel conditions are less likely to bepower-limited and capable of supporting a much higher IoT point. Theinflexible and low IoT operation level from the cell edge thus makes theuplink load management for data traffic unnecessarily inefficient.

Non-control-constrained sub-bands (called D-sub-bands) can be furtherdivided into multiple groups 204, 205. In an embodiment, D-sub-bands aredivided into two categories, one is called middle-range intended forusers with medium geometries, and the other is called low-range intendedfor users with large geometries and close to the serving sector.Typically, we have: IoT_(th)(D Sub-bands, Low Range)>IoT_(th)(DSub-bands, Mid Range)>IoT_(th)(C Sub-bands). Here the allowedvariability presents the option of having a higher control limit for LowRange D Sub-bands which can be assigned to UE's closer to the center ofthe serving cell. In this location UE's are more likely to be able tohandle higher loads without unwanted effects such as inter-cellinterference.

It is to be appreciated that control traffic can be scheduled on some ofthe D-sub-bands as well as data traffic on some of the controlconstrained sub-band group if the base station's scheduler hasinformation about the user's channel conditions such that reliablecontrol information transmission can be achieved.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it is also to be appreciated that theconfiguration of sub-band groups can be dynamically changed over timeand adapt to system conditions, and can be different for differentsectors (not shown) of a controlling serving cell as designated by thecell area 350 or by the base station 330. At a time T=1, the state of acell is shown 300. The bandwidth for the cell has been divided intosub-bands 310. The UE are denoted as A, B, C, D, E and F. In thisaspect, the cell metric is load control, IoT, and the load control perbandwidth is captured in similar characteristic groups I, II and III320. Group III is comprised of single UE F which is undergoing passagethrough an urban canyon as denoted by 370 on path 380. It should beappreciated that passage through an urban canyon necessitates a highpower level and corresponding IoTth(F). Group I is composed of UE A, Band C. This group is operating under close proximity to the serving cellbase station 330. As noted supra, UE in this condition may enjoy ahigher power level without introducing inter-cell interference to UE inadjacent neighbor cells (not shown). Group II composed of UE D and Eshare the same or similar IoT level for UE near a cell edge. Typically,this IoT level will be lower in power.

At Time=1+Delta T, the state of the cell 350 has changed to 300′. UE F′has completed its path 390 out of the urban canyon 370 just as UE C′indicates a change in location from UE C. Both UE C′ and UE F′ changesentail a change in cell operational characteristics. UE A′ and UE B′also indicate movement, but without a corresponding change incharacteristics, while UE d″ and UE E′ have remained stationary with nochange in the noted characteristic. With these changes, the SubbandGroup composition has changed. Group I now is composed only of UE A′ andUE B′. These UE still enjoy the ability to operate at high power andhigh IoT without adverse system effects. Group II is now composed of UEC′, D′, E′, and F′. It should be noted that while C′ is not located inthe same area as D′, E′ and F′, the operating characteristics are thesame or similar. Group III has been eliminated as there are no UE withdemand for such a high level of IoT at state 300′. This elimination doesnot waste any bandwidth as the control sub-band groups remain flexible.With these changes, the sub-bands 310′ indicate the adaptation to systemconditions that the sub-band groups have undertaken.

FIG. 4 provides an illustration of an aspect of the current invention.As pictured, a given bandwidth comprises a number of sub-bands 401 (e.g.sub-bands 1 to N). Each sub-band then provides a binary valued loadindicator 402 showing if that sub-band is in use 404 or is available foruse 405 in a particular cell. The finer granularity can be seen whencompared to the bandwidth binary valued load indicator as provided withsub-band division 403, where sub-bands 3 to N are actually availablewhen sub-bands 1 and 2 are in use.

In orthogonal cellular systems, inter-cell interference needs to bemitigated to ensure cell-edge quality of service (QoS). Differentsystems employ different forms of techniques, but in essence there aretwo schools of thought. In a network based solution, each cell controlsthe transmit power spectral density (Tx PSD) of each UE based on itsneighbor cell signal to noise ratio (SNR) measurements—this is similarto general packet radio service (GPRS). In a UE based solution, each UEcontrols its own Tx PSD based on neighbor cell SNR. Furthermore, in theUE based solution there are two aspects. In a neighbor cell basedaspect, each UE monitors an uplink load indicator transmitted by asubset of the neighbor cells that it detects—similar to high-speeduplink packet access (HSUPA), LTE, and DOrC. In a serving cell aspect,the serving cell broadcasts uplink load of the geographical neighborcells (e.g., used in flash). Aspects described herein employ a UE baseduplink load management scheme that combines the above two solutionsappropriately.

The UE based load management system disclosed can be handled acrossmultiple cells that operate either synchronously or asynchronously. Thisallows an individual UE capability to be a factor in optimizing thereduction of inter-cell interference. When a UE is started, it typicallyreceives a message from the serving cell access node indicating type ofserving cell operation (e.g., synchronous or asynchronous). The type ofoperation can force the UE to follow one method or another in reducinginter-cell interference. The current method allows the UE to seek a bestmethod of inter-cell interference reduction that may not be dependent onthe serving cell's mode of operation. In one non-limiting example, an UEmay be operating in a asynchronous cell but have the capability ofaccessing a neighbor cell's load data directly. In this case, the UE mayoperate to reduce or maintain its transmitting power spectral densitydepending on a faster direct neighbor cell binary load per sub-bandinformation rather than waiting for the neighbor cell binary load persub-band information that may arrive through a backhaul channel of theserving cell.

In the UE based approach, there are pros and cons of each solution. Inthe neighbor cell based aspect, the UE can detect neighbor cell loadquickly. However, in asynchronous systems, the UE needs to maintainmultiple fast fourier transform (FFT) timings, one for each neighborcell detected—this can be a con. In the serving cell based aspect, theUE does not need to maintain any neighbor cell timing—this isadvantageous. However, load information needs to propagate through abackhaul (con).

A hybrid approach (e.g., combining various features) results in improvedperformance. To combine, each cell broadcasts both parameters: uplinkinter-cell interference seen at the receiver (Rx). A binary valued loadindicator is employed per sub-band, and this indicates whether therespective cell is loaded on a particular sub-band or not. A sub-band issmaller than or equal to the total system bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz systemwith 20 sub-bands of 900 KHz each and a spanned bandwidth of 18 MHz).The transmission is done on a primary broadcast channel (BCH). Regardingneighbor cell load, loading is done from geographically close cells, andload is indicated per sub-band.

With respect to UE behavior, the UE reduces Tx PSD depending on detectedneighbor cell load. Detection is based on either of two approaches: (1)decoded load indicator transmitted from neighbor cell; and (2) decodedneighbor cell load information transmitted from serving cell. Insynchronous systems, the UE relies on load indicators transmitted fromneighbor cell. In asynchronous systems, the UE relies on neighbor cellload information transmitted from the serving cell.

In an alternative aspect, one could envision behavior in asynchronoussystems dependent on UE capability (e.g., ability to maintain multipleRx timing, Tx BW capability (10 MHz vs. 20 MHz, and peak data ratecapability). The UE is aware whether the system is synchronous or not,and the information is transmitted as part of system parameters on BCH(broadcast channel).

The preceding discussion focused on dividing bandwidth into sub-bandsfor a given cell. It is to be understood that the disclosed aspects arenot limited by this example and includes other applications such asdividing a cell into sectors and then dividing the sector bands intosub-bands.

Yet another aspect is disclosed in FIG. 5. In an aspect, thetransmission (and/or coding) of load control commands can be made to bedependent on the number of bits allocated over the air interface forload control, be it cycling through the entire bandwidth a sub-band at atime, a group at a time, a single bit at a time, a set of bits at a timeor a combination thereof. In order to propagate the load controlinformation for all sub-band groups, we can transmit one sub-band groupload control over the air at a time and cycle through the entiresub-band groups over time.

This aspect 500 displays a typical time slice 510 of 10 ms. Within thattime slice, the five sub-bands 520, 530, 540, 550 and 560 are provided aregular time slot for communication. The slot for the controlconstrained sub-bands are modified to increase the bandwidth for data.At state 570, Control 1 data is supplied at the proscribed sub-band andtime slot. It should be noted that the sub-bands for Control 2 throughControl N belong to the data sub-band group with different operationalcharacteristics than the constrained control group. At state 580,Control 2 data is sent at the proscribed sub-band and the same time slotas the Control 1 data of state 450. In this case, the additional timeslots corresponding to Control 1 and Control N are freed to carry data.This cycle continues through to state 590, where the Control N time slotcarries the control N characteristic data and the time slots for allother control sub-bands are freed for additional data use. In thismanner resources normally limited by the control constrained operationalcharacteristics are more efficiently utilized with data in each timeslice. Thus, this aspect operates such that C-sub-bands only appear insome specific time slots (non-contiguous in time), instead of in allslots, depending on the capacity requirement of the system (e.g. controltraffic, idle operations of mobile stations) actually curtailing thelimiting factor of control transmissions and have limitedC-sub-bands-less operations. By controlling how often control bits aresent, it is possible to have less frequent uplink load control, comparedwith the conventional load control case, and open up resources for datatraffic.

Or it can be envisioned in an aspect that other individual coding/jointcoding options are also possible, e.g., or-of-down rule, or-of-up rule,more complicated combinations of sub-band group commands, as discussedin greater detail in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 6A and 6B display another aspect of the current application.Generally speaking, the power spectral density (PSD) adjustmentstepsizes (SS) at the terminals can be designed differently fordifferent sub-band group commands, differently for different mobilestations (channel conditions) and/or differently for different cells,especially for different frequency reuse factors. That is, the stepsizes(e.g., for down, up or hold commands) can be denoted as Δ(K, M, R)≧0,where K is the index of mobile stations, M is the index of sub-bandgroups and R is the frequency reuse index. The stepsizes could be zerofor some combinations of K, M, and R.

In FIG. 6A, Cell 600, as controlled by base station 620 has been dividedinto sectors based on fractional frequency reuse. The sectors are notedas 610 ₁, 610 ₂, . . . 610 _(R). In the exemplary example, the reusefactor is 3 (R=3). A number of UE are shown in the cell and these arenoted at 630 n where n=an integer K. K is the total number of UEoperating in the cell. It should be appreciated that K is most likelynot a static number and changes over time. As presented, UE 630 ₁ and630 ₂ reside in Sector 2, 610 ₂ and UE 630 ₃ through 630 _(K) reside inSector 1, 610 ₁.

In FIG. 6B, the bandwidth for 620 is broken into sub-bands 640 ₁, 640 ₂,through 640 _(M). Sub-bands 640 ₁ through 640 ₄ are displayed as asub-band group Sector₁. Sub-bands 640 ₅ through 640 ₈ are displayed assub-band group Sector₂. Subbands 640 ₉ through 640 _(M) comprisesub-band group Sector_(R). Similarly to the example UE's discussed inFIG. 3, individual UE's may have markedly different channel conditionseven within the same sector. Furthermore, it may be envisioned that itwould be desirable to be able to control UE's similarly within a givensector. As noted previously, control by individual sub-band is also anadvantageous feature. In the current aspect, each of the UE, Sub-bandand Sector conditions can contribute to the load control methodology byincorporating the system data, through indices of UE, Sub-band andSector, into the step size of the control command from 620 to 630 ₁, 630₂, . . . 630 _(K). Thus, as a specific example, UE 630 ₁ is usingsub-bands 640 ₅ and 640 ₆. Specific load commands to increase ordecrease power to UE 630 ₁ can indicate an incremental power stepsizegoverned by SSΔ (1, 5-6, 2). This stepsize can be different from otherstepsize commands issued by base station 620 to other UE (e.g. 630 ₃utilizing sub-band 640 ₃, which would have a stepsize governed by SSΔ(3, 3, 1)). The stepsize for UE 630 ₁ can also vary over time as theindices are updated with the change sin state for cell 600. In thismanner, stepsize control can be fine tuned to a number of factorsaffording far greater precision in UE and system control.

FIGS. 7A and 7B describes aspects that are useful in regards to UE'shandling the different and flexible cell metric operational levels for avariety of commands. In a non-limiting example, when the load controlcommands transmitted over the air are sub-band group dependent, it isdesirable that the UE respond differently for different sub-band groupcommands. This is particularly true when UE occupies more than 1sub-band and not all sub-bands are overloaded. Optimization of systemparameters can dictate that the UE modify power control commands fromthe base station. In this aspect, the stepsizes of the commands aremodified based on the approach taken. Allowing several approachesprovides a robustness for fine tuning overall system performance.

In FIG. 7A, the bandwidth of the cell is associated with sub-bands 710and load indicators 720 and 721. The UE is operating in sub-bands 1 and2 which may span more than one sub-band group and thus receive more thanone sub-band group load command. In the example portrayed, the sub-bandgroups are composed of n=1 sub-band. The variety of possible reactionsfor the UE regarding system command information can include at leas thefollowing approaches:

A conservative approach 730 which would yield a stepsize responseaccording to the presence of a Down command in any of the sub-bandswhich make up the UE operating group. That is, if a sub-band group powercommand from the base station (not pictured) indicates a power downdirection for any of the sub-bands which make up UE operating group, theUE will step power down. This method is denoted SS_(C) and can besummarized as “OR of DOWNs”. In the exemplary example, the UE receivingthe sub-band information 720 and 721 would react by powering down 731 bystep size SS_(C).

It is envisioned that an aggressive approach 740 may be of value incertain conditions. In this scenario, the UE is directed to increasepower if any of the sub-bands in which it operates (e.g. sub-band 3) isnot loaded. This method is denoted as SS_(A) and can be summarized as“OR of Ups”. In the exemplary example, the UE receiving the sub-bandinformation 720 and 721 would react by powering up 741 by step sizeSS_(A).

Proportional approaches 750 and 760, are also envisioned in which thestep size for the command can be adjusted (e.g. proportional tobandwidth, proportional to time when sub-band is assigned). Forinstance, in a non-limiting example of 750, the step size adjustment 751(denoted SS_(P)) is proportional to sub-band related system operatingcharacteristics 720 and 721. Since 715 indicates 2 of the 3 sub-bandsare loaded while the 3rd is not, the UE can modify the directed downwardpower spectral density step proportionally by ⅔, orPSD delta=(⅔)*NOM_STEP_SIZE.

FIG. 7B discloses one embodiment in which the UE response to loadcontrols can be proportional to time 770 when sub-bands for theparticular UE are assigned. In this method, the non-limiting exemplaryexample provides for a time frame of 10 ms 761 where the N number ofsub-bands each are assigned a time window of 1/N ms. Within the 10 msframe, four sub-bands are represented for this cell in the time slice,the UE uses sub-band-1 t1 (ms), uses sub-band-2 t2 (ms) and the UE doesnot transmit anything within the remaining 10-t1-t2 (ms), The two slicesin use by the UE have the corresponding system characteristics of oneslice loaded and one slice unloaded. The time proportional approach 770then provides the UE with the PSD adjustment according to the followingparameters: load indicator for sub-band-1 (true or false); loadindicator for sub-band-2 (true or false); fraction of time forsub-band-1=t1/10; fraction of time for sub-band-2=t2/10. This is denotedby SS_(TP).

Numerous such combinations of frequency/time or other potential factorscan be applied and fall within the scope of the claims as presented.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary aspect of inter-cell interferencemitigation is presented. In cell 850, end nodes 870 and 860 usesub-bands 1 and 2 as represented by the sub-band load indicator 890. Forthat same frequency band, also used in cell 851, the sub-band loadindicator 891 illustrates which sub-band end node 871 is using. End node861 is using a different frequency band altogether (not shown). Underthese conditions, the concern for inter-cell interference would becritical in OFDM systems. In conventional controls, the load indicatoras generated by 740 may not be obtainable to 741. In cases where theload indicator is shared between neighboring cells, the aspect ofsub-bands increases granularity of the system. the increased granularityallows more efficient and denser use of the frequency sub-bands in thegiven frequency used in the different cells. In the illustratedexemplary example, the Power Spectral Density (PSD) for the end nodes760, 770 and 771 can remain at their respective levels since there is nointer-cell interference. Had end node 771 been operating in sub-band 2,there would indeed be interference and the control commands from 741 to771 and from 740 to 760 and 770 would be required. The sub-band loadindicators illustrates that even though the end nodes are all in thesame frequency band, there is no interference, thus no need to changepower levels, allowing the UE's to operate efficiently withoutunnecessary reductions in transmit power.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a wireless communication system 900 isillustrated in accordance with various embodiments presented herein.System 900 comprises a plurality of nodes interconnected bycommunications links 905, 907, 908, 911, 941, 941′, 941″, 941A, 945,945′, 945″, 945S, 947, 947′, 947″ and 947S. Nodes in exemplarycommunication system 900 may exchange information using signals (e.g.,messages) based on communication protocols (e.g., the Internet Protocol(IP)). The communications links of system 900 may be implemented, forexample, using wires, fiber optic cables, and/or wireless communicationstechniques. Exemplary communication system 900 includes a plurality ofend nodes 944, 946, 944′, 946′, 944″, 946″, which access communicationsystem 900 via a plurality of access nodes 940, 940′, and 940″.

End nodes 944, 946, 944′, 946′, 944″, 946″ may be, for example, acellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a handheld communicationdevice, a handheld computing device, a satellite radio, a globalpositioning system, a PDA, and/or any other suitable device forcommunicating over wireless communication system 900. Also, end nodes944-946 may be fixed or mobile.

Access nodes 940, 940′, 940″ can comprise a transmitter chain and areceiver chain, each of which can in turn comprise a plurality ofcomponents associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g.,processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers,antennas, etc.), as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.Access nodes 940, 940′, 940″ may be, e.g., wireless access routers orbase stations. Access node 940 may be a fixed station and/or mobile.

End nodes 944-946 may communicate with access node 940 (and/or disparateaccess node(s)) on a downlink and/or an uplink channel at any givenmoment. The downlink refers to the communication link from access node940 to end nodes 944-946, and the uplink channel refers to thecommunication link from end nodes 944-946 to access node 940. Accessnode 940 may further communicate with other base station(s) and/or anydisparate devices (e.g., server 904, nodes 906, 908 and 910) that mayperform functions such as, for example, authentication and authorizationof end nodes 944-946, accounting, billing, and so on.

Exemplary communication system 900 also includes a number of other nodes904, 906, 909, 910, and 912, used to provide interconnectivity or toprovide specific services or functions (e.g. backhaul path for servingand non-serving cell sub-band binary value load indicator data).Specifically, exemplary communication system 900 includes a Server 904used to support transfer and storage of state pertaining to end nodes.The Server node 904 may be an AAA server, a Context Transfer Server, aserver including both AAA server functionality and Context Transferserver functionality.

Exemplary communication system 900 depicts a network 902 that includesServer 904, node 906 and a home agent node 909, which are connected toan intermediate network node 910 by corresponding network links 905, 907and 908, respectively. Intermediate network node 910 in network 902 alsoprovides interconnectivity to network nodes that are external from theperspective of network 902 via network link 911. Network link 911 isconnected to another intermediate network node 912, which providesfurther connectivity to a plurality of access nodes 940, 940′, 940″ vianetwork links 941, 941′, 941″, respectively.

Each access node 940, 940′, 940″ is depicted as providing connectivityto a plurality of N end nodes (944, 946), (944′, 946′), (944″, 946″),respectively, via corresponding access links (945, 947), (945′, 947′),(945″, 947″), respectively. In synchronous systems, access links such as945S and 947S may also be available. In synchronous or asynchronoussystems, end nodes may have the capability of establishing access linksto access nodes outside their own cell environments depicted by 941A. Inexemplary communication system 900, each access node 940, 940′, 940″ isdepicted as using wireless technology (e.g., wireless access links) toprovide access. A radio coverage area (e.g., communications cells 948,948′, and 948″) of each access node 940, 940′, 940″, respectively, isillustrated as a circle surrounding the corresponding access node.

An exemplary aspect of cell neighbors in a multi-cell network ispresented. A cell as represented by its service area 948 may haveneighbor cells 948′ and 948″. Equally, A cell may be represented byaccess node 940 and its neighbors 940′ and 940″. According to an aspectof the current invention, each cell broadcasts (e.g. on the BCH channel)the sub-band binary valued load indicator data for sub-bands 1 to N(binary data bits 1 to N for the frequency sub-bands in use in thatcell). In addition to its own load indicator data, the cell through thebackhaul channel will also transmit the binary valued load indicatordata on a sub-band basis for its neighbors cell activity. At a minimum,access node 940 provides the load data for end nodes 944 through 946 aswell as which sub-bands all neighboring cells are using including endnodes 944′, 946′, 944″ through 946″.

Note, that while this an exemplary model, this invention is not limitedto this model and covers all permutations as captured in the claims. Ifthe cells are sectored as in a frequency reuse scenario, then theneighbor sector binary load indicator data per sub-band would betransmitted (not shown).

Exemplary communication system 900 is presented as a basis for thedescription of various aspects set forth herein. Further, variousdisparate network topologies are intended to fall within the scope ofthe claimed subject matter, where the number and type of network nodes,the number and type of access nodes, the number and type of end nodes,the number and type of Servers and other Agents, the number and type oflinks, and the interconnectivity between nodes may differ from that ofexemplary communication system 900 depicted in FIG. 9. Additionally,functional entities depicted in exemplary communication system 100 maybe omitted or combined. Also, the location or placement of thefunctional entities in the network may be varied.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary end node 1000 (e.g., a mobile node, awireless terminal, user equipment) associated with various aspects.Exemplary end node 1000 may be an apparatus that may be used as any oneof the end nodes depicted in FIG. 9 (e.g. 944, 946, 944′, 946′, 944″,946″). As depicted, end node 1000 includes a processor 1004, a wirelesscommunication interface 1030, a user input/output interface 1040 andmemory 1010 coupled together by a bus 1006. Accordingly, variouscomponents of end node 1000 can exchange information, signals and datavia bus 1006. Components 1004, 1006, 1010, 1030, 1040 of end node 1000may be located inside a housing 1002.

Wireless communication interface 1030 provides a mechanism by which theinternal components of the end node 1000 can send and receive signalsto/from external devices and network nodes (e.g., access nodes).Wireless communication interface 1030 includes, for example, a receivermodule 1032 with a corresponding receiving antenna 1036 and atransmitter module 1034 with a corresponding transmitting antenna 1038used for coupling end node 1000 to other network nodes (e.g., viawireless communications channels).

Exemplary end node 1000 also includes a user input device 1042 (e.g.,keypad) and a user output device 1044 (e.g., display), which are coupledto bus 1006 via user input/output interface 1040. Thus, user inputdevice 1042 and user output device 1044 can exchange information,signals and data with other components of end node 1000 via userinput/output interface 1040 and bus 1006. User input/output interface1040 and associated devices (e.g., user input device 1042, user outputdevice 1044) provide a mechanism by which a user can operate end node1000 to accomplish various tasks. In particular, user input device 1042and user output device 1044 provide functionality that allows a user tocontrol end node 1000 and applications (e.g., modules, programs,routines, functions, etc.) that execute in memory 1010 of end node 1000.

Processor 1004 may be under control of various modules (e.g., routines)included in memory 1010 and may control operation of end node 1000 toperform various signaling and processing as described herein. Themodules included in memory 1010 are executed on startup or as called byother modules. Modules may exchange data, information, and signals whenexecuted. Modules may also share data and information when executed.Memory 1010 of end node 1000 may include a signaling/control module 1012and signaling/control data 1014.

Signaling/control module 1012 controls processing relating to receivingand sending signals (e.g., messages) for management of state informationstorage, retrieval, and processing. Signaling/control data 1014 includesstate information such as, for instance, parameters, status, and/orother information relating to operation of the end node. In particular,signaling/control data 1014 may include configuration information 1016(e.g., end node identification information) and operational information1018 (e.g., information about current processing state, status ofpending responses, etc.). Signaling/control module 1012 may accessand/or modify signaling/control data 1014 (e.g., update configurationinformation 1016 and/or operational information 1018).

Memory 1010 of end node 1000 may also include a comparator module 1046,a power adjuster module 1048, and/or an error handler module 1050.Although not depicted, it is to be appreciated that comparator module1046, power adjuster module 1048, and/or error handler module 1050 maystore and/or retrieve data associated therewith that may be stored inmemory 1010. Comparator module 1046 may evaluate received informationassociated with end node 1000 and effectuate a comparison with expectedinformation.

End node 1000 may further include a power adjuster module 1048 and acomparator module 1046. Power adjuster module 1048 may measure a powerlevel associated with access node 1100 (FIG. 11) (and/or any disparatewireless terminals). Further, power adjuster module 1048 may transmitpower commands to access node 1100 to facilitate adjusting the powerlevel. For instance, power adjuster module 1048 may transmit a powercommand in one or more transmission units associated with a first subsetof transmission units. The power commands, for instance, may indicate toincrease a power level, decrease a power level, remain at a power level,and the like. Upon receipt of power commands to increase or decreasepower, access node 1100 may alter an associated power level a fixed(e.g., preset) and/or variable amount. The preset amounts may be ofvariable size based on certain factors (e.g., frequency reuse factors,channel conditions at different mobile stations). Further, comparatormodule 1046 may transmit information as a function of a terminalidentifier related to a wireless terminal (e.g., access node 1100) inone or more transmission units associated with a second subset oftransmission units. Moreover, one or more ON identifiers may be assignedto each wireless terminal when in session ON state and the ONidentifiers may be associated with a first subset and second subset oftransmission units. Transmission units may be in variable formats (e.g.,time domain, frequency domain, hybrid of both time and frequencydomains).

Power adjuster module 1048 may transmit power commands over a downlinkpower control channel (DLPCCH). Pursuant to an example, resources may beassigned to access node 1100 by end node 1000 as access node 1100accesses a session ON state; such resources may include particularDLPCCH segments, one or more ON identifiers, etc. The DLPCCH may beutilized by a base station sector attachment point (e.g., employingpower adjuster module 1048) to transmit downlink power control messagesto control transmission power of access node 1100.

Comparator module 1046 may transmit information associated with awireless terminal (e.g., access node 1100) to which the power commandscorrespond along with the power commands transferred by power adjustermodule 1048. For example, comparator module 1046 may transmitinformation as a function of a terminal identifier (e.g., scramblingmask) associated with the wireless terminal (e.g., access node 1100).Comparator module 1046 may transfer such information over the DLPCCH.Pursuant to an illustration, information associated with access node1100 may be transmitted over the DLPCCH with a subset of the powercommand transmissions from power adjuster module 1048.

Optimizer Module 1052 can be employed in connection with assignmentswith extrinsic information (e.g., environmental factors, preferences,QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking, historical information)Artificial Intelligence (AI) Module 1054 can employ artificialintelligence techniques to facilitate automatically performing variousaspects (e.g., transitioning communications resources, analyzingresources, extrinsic information, user/UE state, preferences, sub-bandassignments, power level setting) as described herein. Moreover,inference based schemes can be employed to facilitate inferring intendedactions to be performed at a given time and state. The AI-based aspectsof the invention can be effected via any suitable machine-learning basedtechnique and/or statistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-basedtechniques. For example, the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, supportvector machines (SVMs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), greedy searchalgorithms, rule-based systems, Bayesian models (e.g., Bayesiannetworks), neural networks, other non-linear training techniques, datafusion, utility-based analytical systems, systems employing Bayesianmodels, etc. are contemplated.

FIG. 11 provides an illustration of an exemplary access node 1100implemented in accordance with various aspects described herein.Exemplary access node 1100 may be an apparatus utilized as any one ofaccess nodes depicted in FIG. 9 (e.g., 940, 940′, and 940″). Access node1100 may include a processor 1104, memory 1110, a network/internetworkinterface 1120 and a wireless communication interface 1130, coupledtogether by a bus 1106. Accordingly, various components of access node1100 can exchange information, signals and data via bus 1106. Thecomponents 1104, 1106, 1110, 1120, 1130 of the access node 1100 may belocated inside a housing 1102.

Network/internetwork interface 1120 provides a mechanism by which theinternal components of access node 1100 can send and receive signalsto/from external devices and network nodes. Network/internetworkinterface 1120 includes a receiver module 1122 and a transmitter module1124 used for coupling access node 1100 to other network nodes (e.g.,via copper wires or fiber optic lines). Wireless communication interface1130 also provides a mechanism by which the internal components ofaccess node 1100 can send and receive signals to/from external devicesand network nodes (e.g., end nodes). Wireless communication interface1130 includes, for instance, a receiver module 1132 with a correspondingreceiving antenna 1136 and a transmitter module 1134 with acorresponding transmitting antenna 1138. Wireless communicationinterface 1130 may be used for coupling access node 1100 to othernetwork nodes (e.g., via wireless communication channels).

Processor 1104 may be under control of various modules (e.g., routines)included in memory 1110 and may control operation of access node 1100 toperform various signaling and processing. The modules included in memory1110 may be executed on startup or as called by other modules that maybe present in memory 1110. Modules may exchange data, information, andsignals when executed. Modules may also share data and information whenexecuted. By way of example, memory 1110 of access node 1100 may includea State Management module 1112 and a Signaling/Control module 1114.Corresponding to each of these modules, memory 1110 also includes StateManagement data 1113 and the Signaling/Control data 1115.

State Management Module 1112 controls the processing of received signalsfrom end nodes or other network nodes regarding state storage andretrieval. State Management Data 1113 includes, for instance, end-noderelated information such as the state or part of the state, or thelocation of the current end node state if stored in some other networknode. State Management module 1112 may access and/or modify StateManagement data 1113.

Signaling/Control module 1114 controls the processing of signals to/fromend nodes over wireless communication interface 1130 and to/from othernetwork nodes over network/internetwork interface 1120 as necessary forother operations such as basic wireless function, network management,etc. Signaling/Control data 1115 includes, for example, end-node relateddata regarding wireless channel assignment for basic operation, andother network-related data such as the address of support/managementservers, configuration information for basic network communications.Signaling/Control module 1114 may access and/or modify Signaling/Controldata 1115.

Memory 1110 may additionally include a unique identification (ID)assigner module 1140, an ON identification (ID) assigner module 1142, apower controller module 1144, and/or a wireless terminal (WT) verifiermodule 1146. It is to be appreciated that unique ID assigner module1140, ON ID assigner module 1142, power controller module 1144, and/orWT verifier module 1146 may store and/or retrieve associated dataretained in memory 1110. Further, unique ID assigner module 1140 mayallocate a terminal identifier (e.g., scrambling mask) to a wirelessterminal. ON ID assigner module 1142 may assign an ON identifier to awireless terminal while the wireless terminal is in session ON state.Power controller module 1144 may transmit power control information to awireless terminal. WT verifier module 1146 may enable including wirelessterminal related information in a transmission unit.

Access node 1100 may further include a comparator module 1046 thatevaluates the received information associated with access node 1100.Comparator module 1046 may analyze the received information to determinewhether access node 1100 is utilizing resources as set forth by end node1000; thus, comparator module 1046 may evaluate information included inthe Q component of symbols transmitted over the DLPCCH. For instance,end node 1000 may have assigned identifier(s) (e.g., session ON ID) toaccess node 1100, and comparator module 1046 may analyze whether accessnode 1100 employs appropriate resources associated with the assignedidentifier(s). According to other examples, comparator module 1046 maydetermine whether access node 1100 is utilizing segments of the DLPCCHallocated by end node 1000 and/or whether end node 1000 has reclaimedresources (e.g., session ON ID) previously assigned to access node 1100.

Scheduler Module 1147 utilizes the data from various modules to controlthe assignment of sub-bands and other resource management functions inrelation to aspects disclosed herein.

Optimizer Module 1148 can be employed in connection with assignmentswith extrinsic information (e.g., environmental factors, preferences,QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking, historical information)Artificial Intelligence (AI) Module 1149 can employ artificialintelligence techniques to facilitate automatically performing variousaspects (e.g., transitioning communications resources, analyzingresources, extrinsic information, user/UE state, preferences, sub-bandassignments, power level setting) as described herein. Moreover,inference based schemes can be employed to facilitate inferring intendedactions to be performed at a given time and state. The AI-based aspectsof the invention can be effected via any suitable machine-learning basedtechnique and/or statistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-basedtechniques. For example, the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, supportvector machines (SVMs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), greedy searchalgorithms, rule-based systems, Bayesian models (e.g., Bayesiannetworks), neural networks, other non-linear training techniques, datafusion, utility-based analytical systems, systems employing Bayesianmodels, etc. are contemplated.

In view of exemplary aspects described herein, methodologies that can beimplemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter arediscussed. While, for purposes of simplicity, the methodologies areshown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the numberor order of blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement respective methodologies. It is to be appreciated that thefunctionality associated with various blocks may be implemented bysoftware, hardware, a combination thereof or any other suitable means(e.g., device, system, process. component). Additionally, it should befurther appreciated that some methodologies disclosed hereinafter andthroughout this specification are capable of being stored on an articleof manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring suchmethodologies to various devices. Those skilled in the art willappreciate and understand that a methodology can alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states or events such as forexample in a state diagram.

FIG. 12 illustrates a high-level methodology in accordance with variousaspects. At 1202, cell bandwidth is divided into N sub-bands (N being aninteger >2). At 1204, respective sub-bands are assigned to respectiveuser equipment (UE). It is to be appreciated that a variety ofassignment protocols can be employed in connection with making sub-bandassignments. For example, respective sub-bands can be designated forparticular purposes (e.g., data type, power level, distance,interference mitigation, load-balancing . . . ), and UEs can berespectively assigned to sub-bands as a function of affinity thereto.Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that sub-band assignments for likegroups do not have to be contiguous in the bandwidth spectrum.

At 1206 sub band assignments are matched with respective systemoperational characteristics. This includes at least power control,admission control, congestion control, and signal handoff control.

At 1208, sub-band assignments are tracked. At 1210, commands and systemcharacteristics are broadcast to the UE's under the particular servingcell's control. At 1212, sub-band assignments are broadcast toneighboring cells (e.g., to apprise base stations or UEs in suchneighboring cells of sub-band assignments). The broadcast may be bythrough a backhaul channel, over the air direct to neighboring cells orother methods. At 1214, serving cell system characteristics as well asneighboring cell sub-band assignments are monitored. At 1216, as aresult of such monitoring, if it is determined that sub-bandconfigurations have or should change, an optimization scheme can beemployed in connection with configurations 1220; otherwise sub-bandassignments are maintained at 1218. The optimization scheme of 1220 canemploy extrinsic information (e.g., environmental factors, preferences,QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking, historical information). Inanother example, assignment can be a function of load-balancing across acell or a plurality of cells.

An embodiment of the methodology can employ an artificial intelligencetechniques to facilitate automatically performing various aspects (e.g.,transitioning communications resources, analyzing resources, extrinsicinformation, user/UE state, preferences, sub-band assignments, powerlevel setting) as described herein. Moreover, inference based schemescan be employed to facilitate inferring intended actions to be performedat a given time and state. The AI-based aspects of the invention can beeffected via any suitable machine-learning based technique and/orstatistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-based techniques. Forexample, the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, support vector machines(SVMs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), greedy search algorithms,rule-based systems, Bayesian models (e.g., Bayesian networks), neuralnetworks, other non-linear training techniques, data fusion,utility-based analytical systems, systems employing Bayesian models,etc. are contemplated.

FIG. 13 illustrates a high-level methodology in accordance with variousaspects in the specific case of system load control. At 1310 the systemmetrics related to load control are obtained. The information herein hasbeen processed for sub-band dependent load control.

At 1320 the optimum stepsize of the load change commands is determined.This step is covered in more detail in the mid-level methodology of FIG.14. At 1330, command (and associated characteristics per sub-band) aretransmitted to UE and neighboring cells. The transmission (and/orcoding) of load control commands can be made to be dependent on thenumber of bits allocated over the air interface for load control, be itcycling through the entire bandwidth a sub-band at a time, a group at atime, a single bit at a time, a set of bits at a time or a combinationthereof. In order to propagate the load control information for allsub-band groups, we can transmit one sub-band group load control overthe air at a time and cycle through the entire sub-band groups overtime. At 1340 system characteristics are monitored. At 1350, as a resultof such monitoring, if it is determined that sub-band configurationshave or should change, an optimization scheme can be employed inconnection with sub-band configurations 1370; otherwise sub-bandassignments are maintained at 1360. The optimization scheme of 1370 canemploy extrinsic information and artificial intelligence techniques asdiscussed supra.

FIG. 14 illustrates the methodology in accordance with various aspectsof the load control determination. The power spectral density (PSD)adjustment stepsizes (SS) can be designed differently for differentsub-band group commands, differently for different mobile stations(channel conditions) and/or differently for different cells, especiallyfor different frequency reuse factors. That is, the stepsizes (e.g., fordown, up or hold commands) can be denoted as Δ (K, M, R)≧0, where K isthe index of mobile stations 1436, M is the index of sub-band groups1434 and R is the frequency reuse index. 1432. The stepsizes could bezero for some combinations of K, M, and R. Determination of optimumtransmission, coding and stepsize configurations may be performedthrough an optimization scheme as noted supra.

FIG. 15 illustrates another high level methodology in accordance withvarious aspects. At 1510, a User Equipment (UE) receives load controlcommands and associated system characteristics on a sub-band dependentbasis. At 1520, the sub-band group commands are compared to the UEoperating sub-bands. If at 1530, the number of UE operating sub-bands issmaller than the number of sub-bands in the sub-band group command, aresponse at 1540 would be to use a bit per sub-band control mechanism,otherwise, 1550 is evaluated. At 1550, if the sub-bands of the UE matchthe sub-bands of the group, the group command 1560 is used as theresponse. If at 1550, it is determined that the sub-bands of the UE aregreater than the number of sub-bands in the sub-band group command, thanat 1570 an optimization scheme is utilized (e.g. FIG. 16) to obtain anoptimized response. At 1580 each of the above responses are used asappropriate to adjust the UE load.

FIG. 16 illustrates a mid level methodology in accordance with variousaspects, particularly optimizing results in the case where it isdetermined that the sub-bands of the UE are greater than the number ofsub-bands in the sub-band group command. At 1671, the system metrics areretrieved. At 1672 an optimization scheme is utilized to determine thebest approach of conservative SS_(C) 1773, aggressive SS_(A) 1774,Proportional SS_(P) 1775 or Time Proportional SS_(TP) 1776. Theseapproaches are covered in greater detail in FIG. 7. The optimizationscheme of 1672 can employ extrinsic information (e.g., environmentalfactors, preferences, QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking,historical information). In another example, assignment can be afunction of load-balancing across a cell or a plurality of cells.

An embodiment of the methodology can employ an artificial intelligencetechniques to facilitate automatically performing various aspects (e.g.,transitioning communications resources, analyzing resources, extrinsicinformation, user/UE state, preferences, sub-band assignments, powerlevel setting) as described herein. Moreover, inference based schemescan be employed to facilitate inferring intended actions to be performedat a given time and state. The AI-based aspects of the invention can beeffected via any suitable machine-learning based technique and/orstatistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-based techniques. Forexample, the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, support vector machines(SVMs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), greedy search algorithms,rule-based systems, Bayesian models (e.g., Bayesian networks), neuralnetworks, other non-linear training techniques, data fusion,utility-based analytical systems, systems employing Bayesian models,etc. are contemplated.

FIG. 17 illustrates a high-level methodology in accordance with variousaspects. At 1704, cell bandwidth is divided into N sub-bands (N being aninteger >2). At 1706, respective sub-bands are assigned to respectiveuser equipment (UE). It is to be appreciated that a variety ofassignment protocols can be employed in connection with making sub-bandassignments. For example, respective sub-bands can be designated forparticular purposes (e.g., data type, power level, distance,interference mitigation, load-balancing . . . ), and UEs can berespectively assigned to sub-bands as a function of affinity thereto.

In another example, an optimization scheme can be employed in connectionwith assignments. Likewise, extrinsic information (e.g., environmentalfactors, preferences, QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking,historical information) can be employed. In another example, assignmentcan be a function of load-balancing across a cell or a plurality ofcells.

An embodiment of the methodology can employ an artificial intelligencetechniques to facilitate automatically performing various aspects (e.g.,transitioning communications resources, analyzing resources, extrinsicinformation, user/UE state, preferences, sub-band assignments, powerlevel setting) as described herein. Moreover, inference based schemescan be employed to facilitate inferring intended actions to be performedat a given time and state. The AI-based aspects of the invention can beeffected via any suitable machine-learning based technique and/orstatistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-based techniques. Forexample, the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, support vector machines(SVMs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), greedy search algorithms,rule-based systems, Bayesian models (e.g., Bayesian networks), neuralnetworks, other non-linear training techniques, data fusion,utility-based analytical systems, systems employing Bayesian models,etc. are contemplated.

At 1708, sub-band assignments are tracked. At 1710, sub-band assignmentsare broadcast to neighboring cells (e.g., to apprise base stations orUEs in such neighboring cells of sub-band assignments). At 1712,neighboring cell sub-band assignments are monitored. At 1714, as afunction of such monitoring, if it is determined that a conflict existswith respect to sub-band assignments at 1716 control information is sentto particular UEs to reduce power in connection with mitigatinginter-cell interference due to the conflict, for example. If no conflictexists, at 1718 the UEs maintain power level.

It can be readily appreciated from the foregoing that by sub-dividingbandwidth into respective sub-bands a more granular tuning of UEpower-level can be achieved as compared to conventional schemes. As aresult, overall system resource utilization as well as inter-cellinterference mitigation is facilitated.

FIG. 18 illustrates a high-level methodology in accordance with variousaspects. At 1804, sub-band assignment(s) are received by a userequipment. At 1806, a determination or identification is made as torespective capabilities/functionalities of the UE. If the UE is deemedto not possess certain capabilities/functionalities, the UE simplylistens for commands from a base station in connection with sub-bandassignments at 1808. However, if the UE does possess certaincapabilities or functionalities in connection with aspects describedherein, at 1810, the UE looks to neighboring cells for conflictingsub-band load indicator data. At 1812, a determination is made regardingwhether or not a conflict exists as a function of respective sub-bandload indicator data. If a conflict does exist, the UE reduces powerlevel to mitigate interference it may cause. If it is determined that aconflict does not exist, at 1814, the UE maintains power level.

FIG. 19 highlights exemplary logic for a management method in accordancewith various aspects. The management method 1900 is for a UE basedinter-cell interference mitigation system that robustly handles bothsynchronous and asynchronous orthogonal systems. At 1904, for each UE ina given serving cell, the UE receives a serving cell Type messageindicating whether the serving cell is operating in synchronous orasynchronous mode. At 1906, the US determines or is informed of whethera serving cell is synchronous or asynchronous. If the cell issynchronous, the process proceeds to 1918 where the US looks to theserving cell or neighboring cells for binary sub-band load data. If at1906, the cell is asynchronous, the process proceed to 1912 wherecapabilities of the UE are assessed. If the UE is deemed to haveadvanced capabilities, the process proceeds to 1918. If the US is deemedto have basic capabilities, the process proceeds to 1916 where the UElooks to the serving cell for backhauled binary sub-band data. Block1918 signifies various advantages (e.g. faster neighbor cell detection,neighbor cell load data being obtained directly from the neighbor cell).For other less capable UE, path 1916 will still provide the novel binarysub-band load data transmitted from UE's serving cell and obtainedthrough the backhaul channel. In either path, the binary load data persub-band is obtained and a comparison at 1920 can take place.

At this point the finer granularity as shown in FIG. 7 will provide theUE with the control direction to take either step 1922 or 1924 withincreased room for more UE operating in the different sub-bands of agiven bandwidth.

This can be contrasted with FIGS. 20 and 21, which shows the less robustconventional alternatives. In FIG. 20, upon start 2002, the UE receivesthe serving cell Type message 2004 and the serving cell type mandatesthe UE's next step 2018. Here the entire bandwidth of the neighboringcells' data as obtained directly and quickly from the neighbor cells andcompared to the load data from the serving cell 2020. The less efficientdirection (e.g. UE using non-interfering different sub-bands withinmatching bands will be indicated as causing interference when they inactuality are not) for the UE is dictated and either 2022 or 2024 willthen be taken.

In FIG. 21, the UE at start 2102 receives the serving cell Type message2104 which mandates step 2116. Here the entire bandwidth from the slowerbackhaul channel as provided by the serving cell is obtained andcompared to the UE bandwidth in the serving cell 2120. The lessefficient direction (e.g. UE using non-interfering different sub-bandswithin matching bands will be indicated as causing interference whenthey in actuality are not) for the UE is dictated and either 2122 or2124 will then be taken. UE capability is ignored. The systems asrepresented in FIGS. 20 and 21 are also less UE based as the ServingCell system mandates the path.

FIG. 22 illustrates a system 2200 that facilitates cell resourcemanagement by permitting different and flexible cell metric operationlevels for different sub-bands. System 2200 also facilitates mitigatinginter-cell interference.

Component 2202 divides cell bandwidth into N sub-bands (N being aninteger >2). Component 2216 assigns respective sub-bands to respectiveuser equipment (UE) and component 2204 assigns system metriccharacteristics to respective sub-bands. It is to be appreciated that avariety of assignment protocols can be employed in connection withmaking sub-band and system metric characteristic assignments. Forexample, respective sub-bands can be designated for particular purposes(e.g., data type, power level, distance, interference mitigation,load-balancing . . . ), and UEs can be respectively assigned tosub-bands as a function of affinity thereto. In another example, anoptimization scheme utilized by component 2218 (e.g., employingartificial intelligence) can be employed in connection with assignments.Likewise, extrinsic information (e.g., environmental factors,preferences, QoS, customer preferences, customer ranking, historicalinformation) can be employed. Information from various sources can becontained in data store 2226. In another example, assignment can be afunction of load-balancing across a cell or a plurality of cells.

Component 2206 tracks sub-band assignments, and component 2212broadcasts sub-band assignments to neighboring cells (e.g., to apprisebase stations or UEs in such neighboring cells of sub-band assignments)while component 2210 broadcasts commands and characteristics to UE'sunder the serving cell's control. Component 2214 monitors neighboringcell sub-band assignments, while component 2208 monitors the systemcharacteristics. Component 2220 determines if a conflict exists as afunction of such monitoring, and if it is determined that a conflictexists with respect to sub-band assignments component 2226 sends controlinformation to particular UEs to reduce power in connection withmitigating inter-cell interference due to the conflict, for example.Component 2226 can also change sub-band assignments for other systemoperational control characteristics. If no conflict exists, component2222 send control information to the UEs to maintain power level.Component 2222 also maintains other system characteristic dataassociated with sub-bands.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may beimplemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) thatperform the functions described herein. The software codes may be storedin memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may beimplemented within the processor or external to the processor, in whichcase it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via variousmeans as is known in the art.

What has been described above includes examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill inthe art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations ofvarious embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodimentsare intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for facilitating cell resourcemanagement, comprising: dividing a cell bandwidth into a plurality ofsub-bands; grouping the plurality of sub-bands into a plurality ofgroups of sub-bands, wherein the plurality of sub-bands are grouped intothe plurality of groups of sub-bands based on a type of trafficcommunicated, and wherein the plurality of groups of sub-bands comprisesa control sub-band group allocated for control information transmissionand a data sub-band group allocated for data transmission, and thecontrol sub-band group has a different uplink load metric than the datasub-band group; and monitoring the grouping of the plurality ofsub-bands.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising varyingtransmission of a control command as a function of bits allocated forcontrol.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein varying the transmission isbased at least in part on one of an index of user equipment (UE) in thecell, an index of the plurality of sub-bands in the cell and afractional frequency reuse factor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thetype of traffic communicated comprises control traffic and data traffic.5. The method of claim 1, wherein a first sub-band group having a firstuplink load metric and a second sub-band group having a second uplinkload metric are associated with a same type of traffic, and the firstuplink load metric is different from the second uplink load metric. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting one sub-bandgroup load control of a sub-band group in the plurality of groups ofsub-bands over air at a time and cycling through the entire plurality ofgroups of sub-bands over time.
 7. A method for facilitating loadmanagement, comprising: receiving a load control command, wherein theload control command comprises a group of sub-bands of a communicationbandwidth of a cell that is divided into a plurality of sub-bands,wherein the plurality of sub-bands are grouped into a plurality ofgroups of sub-bands based on a type of traffic communicated, and whereinthe plurality of groups of sub-bands comprises a control sub-band groupallocated for control information transmission and a data sub-band groupallocated for data transmission, and the control sub-band group has adifferent uplink load metric than the data sub-band group; and adjustinga load based at least in part on the load control command.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the type of traffic communicated comprises controltraffic and data traffic.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein a firstsub-band group having a first uplink load metric and a second sub-bandgroup having a second uplink load metric are associated with a same typeof traffic, and the first uplink load metric is different from thesecond uplink load metric.
 10. An apparatus for facilitating cellresource management, comprising: a processor, configured for dividing acell bandwidth into a plurality of sub-bands; grouping the plurality ofsub-bands into a plurality of groups of sub-bands, wherein the pluralityof sub-bands are grouped into the plurality of groups of sub-bands basedon a type of traffic communicated, and wherein the plurality of groupsof sub-bands comprises a control sub-band group allocated for controlinformation transmission and a data sub-band group allocated for datatransmission, and the control sub-band group has a different uplink loadmetric than the data sub-band group; and monitoring the grouping of theplurality of sub-bands; and a memory coupled to the processor forstoring data.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, the processor is furtherconfigured to varying transmission of a control command as a function ofbits allocated for control.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinvarying the transmission is based at least in part on one of an index ofuser equipment (UE) in the cell, an index of the plurality of sub-bandsin the cell and a fractional frequency reuse factor.
 13. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the type of traffic communicated comprises controltraffic and data traffic.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a firstsub-band group having a first uplink load metric and a second sub-bandgroup having a second uplink load metric are associated with a same typeof traffic, and the first uplink load metric is different from thesecond uplink load metric.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theprocessor is further configured for transmitting one sub-band group loadcontrol of a sub-band group in the plurality of groups of sub-bands overair at a time and cycling through the entire plurality of groups ofsub-bands over time.
 16. An apparatus for facilitating load management,comprising: a processor, configured for: receiving a load controlcommand, wherein the load control command comprises a group of sub-bandsof a communication bandwidth of a cell that is divided into a pluralityof sub-bands, wherein the plurality of sub-bands are grouped into aplurality of groups of sub-bands based on a type of trafficcommunicated, and wherein the plurality of groups of sub-bands comprisesa control sub-band group allocated for control information transmissionand a data sub-band group allocated for data transmission, and thecontrol sub-band group has a different uplink load metric than the datasub-band group; and adjusting a load based at least in part on the loadcontrol command; and a memory coupled to the processor for storing data.17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the type of traffic communicatedcomprises control traffic and data traffic.
 18. The apparatus of claim16, wherein a first sub-band group having a first uplink load metric anda second sub-band group having a second uplink load metric areassociated with a same type of traffic, and the first uplink load metricis different from the second uplink load metric.
 19. An apparatus forfacilitating cell resource management, comprising: means for dividing acell bandwidth into a plurality of sub-bands; means for grouping theplurality of sub-bands into a plurality of groups of sub-bands, whereinthe plurality of sub-bands are grouped into the plurality of groups ofsub-bands based on a type of traffic communicated, and wherein theplurality of groups of sub-bands comprises a control sub-band groupallocated for control information transmission and a data sub-band groupallocated for data transmission, and the control sub-band group has adifferent uplink load metric than the data sub-band group; and means formonitoring the grouping of the plurality of sub-bands.
 20. The apparatusof claim 19, further comprising means for varying transmission of acontrol command as a function of bits allocated for control.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein varying the transmission is based atleast in part on one of an index of user equipment (UE) in the cell, anindex of the plurality of sub-bands in the cell and a fractionalfrequency reuse factor.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the typeof traffic communicated comprises control traffic and data traffic. 23.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a first sub-band group having a firstuplink load metric and a second sub-band group having a second uplinkload metric are associated with a same type of traffic, and the firstuplink load metric is different from the second uplink load metric. 24.The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising means for transmitting onesub-band group load control of a sub-band group in the plurality ofgroups of sub-bands over air at a time and cycling through the entireplurality of groups of sub-bands over time.
 25. An apparatus forfacilitating load management, comprising: means for receiving a loadcontrol command, wherein the load control command comprises a group ofsub-bands of a communication bandwidth of a cell that is divided into aplurality of sub-bands, wherein the plurality of sub-bands are groupedinto a plurality of groups of sub-bands based on a type of trafficcommunicated, and wherein the plurality of groups of sub-bands comprisesa control sub-band group allocated for control information transmissionand a data sub-band group allocated for data transmission, and thecontrol sub-band group has a different uplink load metric than the datasub-band group; and means for adjusting a load based at least in part onthe load control command.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein thetype of traffic communicated comprises control traffic and data traffic.27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein a first sub-band group having afirst uplink load metric and a second sub-band group having a seconduplink load metric are associated with a same type of traffic, and thefirst uplink load metric is different from the second uplink loadmetric.
 28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising codefor: dividing a cell bandwidth into a plurality of sub-bands; groupingthe plurality of sub-bands into a plurality of groups of sub-bands,wherein the plurality of sub-bands are grouped into the plurality ofgroups of sub-bands based on a type of traffic communicated, and whereinthe plurality of groups of sub-bands comprises a control sub-band groupallocated for control information transmission and a data sub-band groupallocated for data transmission, and the control sub-band group has adifferent uplink load metric than the data sub-band group; andmonitoring the grouping of the plurality of sub-bands.
 29. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code for: receiving aload control command, wherein the load control command comprises a groupof sub-bands of a communication bandwidth of a cell that is divided intoa plurality of sub-bands, wherein the plurality of sub-bands are groupedinto a plurality of groups of sub-bands based on a type of trafficcommunicated, and wherein the plurality of groups of sub-bands comprisesa control sub-band group allocated for control information transmissionand a data sub-band group allocated for data transmission, and thecontrol sub-band group has a different uplink load metric than the datasub-band group; and adjusting a load based at least in part on the loadcontrol command.